The quarterback is often the most important position on the field. It’s becoming increasingly evident that you need a great player at the position to compete for a championship. Their versatility and athleticism are key to success. We look at the best the position has to offer with the top five Big 12 quarterbacks in 2019.
Top Five Big 12 Quarterbacks In 2019
This conference is known for its outstanding quarterback play. The loss of great quarterbacks such as Kyler Murray and Will Grier will be felt in 2019. However, there’s no lack of talent at the position again this year. Here are the top five Big 12 quarterbacks in 2019.
5. Alan Bowman, Texas Tech:
Bowman’s 2018 statistics were a case of what might have been. He was only able to play in eight games due to injuries, but the freshman still threw for over 2,600 yards. Included in that were a 605-yard and five touchdown effort in a 63-49 win over Houston.
There’s a new head man in Lubbock as Matt Wells comes in from Utah State. It will be interesting to see how the offense will change under Wells. If the Red Raiders move to a more balanced attack, that could hurt Bowman’s productivity in 2019.
4. Charlie Brewer, Baylor:
Brewer has been an integral part of the two-year reclamation project at Baylor. The Bears made it back to a bowl game after a 2-10 campaign in 2017. That improvement was due in part to the emergence of Brewer. He was better in every statistical category in 2018. The year ended fruitfully for Brewer as he threw for 300 yards in back to back contests.
The early season schedule is manageable for the Bears. Baylor plays four of their first six at home with road games at Rice and Kansas State being the road tilts. So, it’s not inconceivable for Baylor to open 6-0 and ranked in the top 25. If that happens, it will be in large part to Brewer’s success and could catapult him to all Big 12 consideration.
3. Brock Purdy, Iowa State:
Purdy burst onto the scene in a road victory against Oklahoma State last season and never looked back. After that, he went 6-2 as a starter and threw for 2,250 yards for the Cyclones. The aforementioned game against the Cowboys was his greatest performance of the year with 318 yards and four touchdowns.
Purdy will be challenged in 2018 as he lost his number one wide receiver target in Hakeem Butler. Also, the do-everything running back David Montgomery is also gone. Perhaps no other team gets more out of its roster than Iowa State so I would expect a step in the right direction this season.
2. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma:
The most impactful graduate transfer happened in Norman when Hurts elected to move on from Alabama to Oklahoma. Sooner fans are optimistic that Hurts will work out similarly to the previous two transfers at the position. Hurts brings in much-needed leadership to the quarterback room. He has thrown for 5,626 yards and 48 scores to just 12 picks in his career.
Hurts will bring more of a prototypical dual-threat presence to the position this season. Murray ran for over 1,000 yards last year but many of those yards were on scrambles outside of the pocket. Most likely, you’ll see Hurts run between the tackles in much more of a Tim Tebow like rushing attack. The most interesting progression this season will be around how Lincoln Riley utilizes Hurts in the passing game to maximize his potential with also keeping up the same productivity that Oklahoma expects.
1. Sam Ehlinger, Texas:
Love him or hate him, few can argue that Ehlinger belongs at the number one spot coming into the season. Last season, he accounted for 41 total scores while limiting himself to only 12 interceptions. He will be counted on even more this season as the Longhorns only return seven starters from last years 10-win team.
And, much like Hurts, Ehlinger is a prototypical dual-threat quarterback for Texas. His 482 yards on the ground last year was second only to Murray. Texas will be in the top 10 of the preseason polls this year. However, an early non-conference game against LSU will loom large. The continued success of Ehlinger and possible improvement in the downfield passing game could make for a Big 12 and playoff contender in the Longhorns.
Honorable Mention:
Skylar Thompson, Kansas State: Now, the job is Thompson’s this year with Alex Delton‘s transfer to TCU. A new era will be ushered in for the Wildcats as Chris Klieman replaces the retired Bill Snyder.
Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State: Sanders was electric in high school. He threw for 8,747 yards in his career but also rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. His athleticism should allow him to win the job over Hawaii transfer Dru Brown and freshman Brendan Costello.
Also, see our other Big 12 positional rankings coming soon:
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Defensive Linemen
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Kickers
Return Specialists
